In 1 Samuel 1:10-15 we learn about Hannah and her honest and emotional prayer to the Lord.

You see, Hannah was married to Elkanah who had not just one wife, but another wife named Peninnah. Peninnah could bear children, while Hannah could not. 

Not only did Hannah long for a child, but she was constantly teased and taunted by Peninnah because of it. And you know back in the Old Testament, childless women were often seen as flawed and inferior. So not only did she have to hear it out in society … she had to hear it at home too. 

So it’s very likely Hannah was in turmoil. And like many of us should do, she took that pain to God. The bible says she was in “deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed” and that she was “pouring out [her] heart to the Lord.” 

That really stood out to me because it reminds me that prayer requires our full honesty and vulnerability. We don’t have to clean it up or make it sound pretty. We can give it to Him RAW and UNCUT. If you’re sad, frustrated, or angry, then SAY THAT.

Because guess what? God is not offended by our honest feelings.

You don’t have to fake it or hold back. God already knows what’s in your heart. So there’s no need to hide. 

Hannah is a great example of this. She didn’t hold back. She came boldly before the Lord and poured her heart out. She released it, and most importantly, she trusted Him with it. And you know what happened? The next time she slept with her husband, God “remembered her plea and in due time, she gave birth to a son”. 

So this is your reminder to pray ANYWAY … when you’re frustrated, when you’re sad, when you’re overwhelmed, and when you have nothing nice to say! God isn’t looking for perfect prayers, he’s looking for honesty and vulnerability. 

And I mean at this point … you have nothing to lose by keeping it real with Him.

In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; He saved me from all my troubles  – Psalm 34:6